Tallinn, the hidden seed of the Baltic Sea, is situated on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland and is the capital and largest city of Estonia. Tallinn has a unique personality of its own, combining the old with the new, which is evident in its characteristic and well-preserved medieval architecture.
Due to its growing development, vibrant atmosphere, natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Tallinn is attracting more and more tourists from all over the world and is an ideal getaway for a weekend or a longer trip.
Take a ferry to Tallin, the capital of Estonia and spend a few days in this vibrant city that combines modern life with rich history and natural beauty.
Find useful information about Tallinn, how to reach the city by ferry, trasportation options and the places worth seeing.
Reaching Tallinn by ferry
Tallinn Ferry Port
Tallinn's ferry terminal, known as Tallinna Sadam or Old Town Port, is an important hub for both passengers and cargo and serves as the main departure point for ferries travelling to and from Sweden, Finland and other Baltic countries. The port has two passenger terminals and is located about 15-20 minutes from the city centre and Laennart Meri Tallinn Airport and is well connected to the city's public transport system. In terms of passenger facilities, the port offers a wide variety of services, including waiting areas, shops, cafés and public toilets.
Ferry routes from Tallinn
Tallinn has an airport located 20 minutes from the city centre, but passengers can easily reach Tallinn by ferry from Finland, Sweden and the capital of Aland, as multiple connections are available all year round from Tallinn's Old Town port.
Stockholm - Tallinn
For passengers travelling from/ to Sweden there is a ferry from Tallin to Stockholm with more than 4 weekly sailings and the ferry (it’s usually an overnight sailing) takes about 17.5 hours to reach the port.
Helsinki - Tallinn
This is the busiest route, connecting Estonia with the Finnish capital of Helsinki. There are more than 2-3 departures available per day and the duration of the ferry from Tallinn to Finland is about 2.5 hours.
Mariehamn - Tallinn
The ferry from the port of Mariehamn, the capital of Aland islands, runs approximately 5-7 times per week and the crossing lasts about 10 hours.
Depending on the ferry operator passengers can enjoy onboard amenities such as lounges, snack bars and restaurants.
Transportation in Tallinn
Tallinn's relatively compact size and well-developed transport network make getting around the city and its surroundings quite easy. From walking and cycling to public transport, there are many options that make it very easy to get around the beautiful city of Tallinn.
- Buses: There is an extensive bus network serving the entire city with multiple departures available per day
- Trams: The tram system operates with 4 lines that connect the center of the city with the suburbs and the airport
- Walking & biking: Most areas and many of the city’s popular attractions are within walking distance from each other and it is highly pleasant to explore the city on foot
- Taxis: Taxis are also available in Tallinn and can be hired on the street or pre-booked over the phone or through mobile apps like Uber, Bolt and Yandex
- Car rentals: Although Tallinn is easy to get around using public transportation, car rentals can be a great way to explore outside the town, especially for those who want to take time to see neighboring cities. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city
- Private transfer: A more luxurious way of getting around the city
Sights & attractions in Tallinn
Tallinn’s first evidence of human settlements dates back to nearly 5.000 years ago but over the years has changed various rules, including Danish, Sweden and Russian control until it became part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. Tallinn became the capital of the independent Estonia in 1918 and it serves as Estonia’s primary financial, cultural and industrial centre.
Tallinn offers a variety of museums, parks, cultural landmarks, festivals, churches and points of interest to its visitors, combining modern attractions and historical sites in a unique way. Whether you want to explore the city’s cobblestone streets, immerse yourself in the city’s culture and historical heritage, or simply relax, unwind and enjoy the scenic views from a tower, Tallinn has something to offer every type of traveler.
Here’s a guide to some of the top attractions and sights in Tallinn:
- Tallin Old Town: The old town of Tallinn, an Unesco World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and best preserved medieval towns in Europe with a unique architecture, cobblestone streets and picturesque historic buildings like the Town Hall
- Medieval walls & towers: Take a walk through the city’s medieval walls and admire the towers of Kiek in de Kök and Fat Margaret. Kiek in de Kök serves as a museum with exhibits on Tallinn’s fortifications and Fat Margaret houses a maritime museum
- Toompea Castle: The house of the Estonian Parliament. Explore the castle’s exterior and enjoy scenic views over the city.Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Located on Toompea Hill the beautiful cathedral is dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky, a Russian hero with distinctive onion domes
- Kadriorg Palace & Park: Kadriorg Palace is a fine example of Baroque architecture and today houses the foreign art collection of the Art Museum of Estonia in beautifully landscaped gardens
- Telliskivi Creative City: Located near the Kalamaja district, the creative city of Telliskive is a hub for the city’s artists and designers with galleries, shops, boutiques and a flea market that operates on Sundays and is ideal for exploring the culture of Tallinn
The cuisine of Tallinn is a mix of traditional Estonian recipes with Nordic influences, international flavors, local ingredients and modern twists
Here are some must try dishes and tasty delights that you can indulge in:
- Buckwheat
- Rosolje ( salad with potatoes, herring and pickles)
- Verivorst ( pork sausage)
- Pirukas ( type of pastry)
- Kringel ( pastry with almonds, chocolate and raisins)
- Marzipan
- Beer and local wines
- Kohuke ( dessert covered with chocolate)
- Smoked fish
- Estonian Cheese
